Best Time to Visit

As it is located in the heart of Spain, Madrid boasts a predominantly dry climate with minimal rainfall or snowfall throughout the year. This makes it a great destination for travellers to visit all year round. During the summer, the city can become crowded with tourists, while locals seek respite from the heat by heading to the coast. In spring and autumn, mild temperatures and reduced accommodation prices make it an ideal time to explore the city.

Passport & Visa

Citizens of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries do not need a visa to enter Spain, only a valid ID. Many other countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Australia, and New Zealand, benefit from visa-free entry for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Visitors from visa-exempt countries must hold a valid passport and, starting in late 2025, will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorisation online before travelling. For those requiring a visa, such as travellers from some Middle-East, African or Asian nations, a Schengen visa must be obtained prior to arrival. All travellers should ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay.

• Web:

  https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/visa-policy_en

Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD)

Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport, commonly known as Barajas Airport, is the main international airport serving Madrid. It lies a little over 10 kilometres northeast of the city. The cheapest way to get to the airport is by metro: line 8 goes to Nuevos Ministerios. The journey takes about 40 minutes. There are also train (Line C1) and bus connections. Official taxis, identifiable by their white colour and red stripe with Madrid’s coat of arms, operate from signed ranks outside all terminals. Make sure that the taxi driver starts the meter at the beginning of the journey.

• Web:

  www.aena.es/en/adolfo-suarez-madrid-barajas.html

• Address:

  Avenida de la Hispanidad, s/n, Madrid

• Phone:

  +34 913 21 10 00

Public Transport

With over 300 stations and 12 lines serving the city and its suburbs, Madrid's metro system is the most efficient way to travel around the city. The metro operates from 6 am to 1:30 am daily. Additionally, the EMT bus network includes approximately 200 lines, including a useful 'circle route', marked with a C, that passes through key attractions such as El Retiro Park, Gran Vía, Paseo del Prado; including all the museums on that street, and the Royal Palace. Buses run from 6 am till 11:30 pm on weekdays and from 7 am till 11 pm on weekends and public holidays, with slightly less frequency. After 11:30 pm, the city operates night buses known as 'búhos, the Spanish word for owls.

• Web:

  www.metromadrid.es/en

Taxi

When taxis are available for hire, this is indicated by a 'Libre' sign on the front windshield and a green light on the roof. Rideshare companies such as Uber and Cabify are available in Madrid. Also, the local app PideTaxi, allows you to order taxis, not only in Madrid, but in all of Spain.

• Web:

  www.pidetaxi.es/en

Electricity

Spain’s power grid operates at 230 volts with a frequency of 50 Hz, using Type F, Schuko plug, and Type C, Europlug, outlets. Both types accept plugs with two round prongs, common across continental Europe.